FYI,

A prototype of how space tourist resorts and settlements may be
constructed.

Tropical Islands
http://www.my-tropical-islands.com/engl/index.htm

Photos
http://www.my-tropical-islands.com/engl/fotos-opening-e.htm

: One Day in Paradise

: Entangled Paths in the Rainforest

: Where exotic plants are growing, huge palm trees, orchids, there
: are little bridges over mangrove swamps. And on top of it, I have a
: panoramic view of the entire island.

: Suntan all Year Round

: Relaxing in a deckchair under palm trees, feeling white sand below
: my feet, spending the night on the beach... Vacation!

: Wellness in the Lagoon

: 31°C is the water temperature in the lagoon. A waterfall, bubbling
: whirl pools. And the tropical sea is as large as 4 Olympic-size
: swimming pools. Behind it I can really spot the horizon!

: Fun and Action

: A street market with exotic flowers and souvenirs. Fascinating
: music and dance groups in the tropical village. The culture and the
: cuisine of the world's most beautiful tropical regions are tempting
: me. An irresistible evening show and a cheerful beach party are
: putting the top on a fantastic holiday.

Map of the Island
http://www.my-tropical-islands.com/engl/plan-e.htm

The Dome
http://www.my-tropical-islands.com/engl/dome-e.htm

: The Tropical Islands dome has a ground surface of 66,000 square
: meters. With a length of 360 meters, a width of 210 meters and a
: height of 107 meters, it is large enough to host 8 entire soccer
: fields.

: Even the New York Statue of Liberty (93 meters) could stand upright
: in it, and the Paris Eiffel Tower (322 meters) could lie in it. The
: Dome offers enough space for the skyline of Berlin's Potsdamer
: Platz including the Sony Centre, the gatehouse and the Daimler
: Chrysler skyscraper.

: Technical Data (Metric Units)

: 5,2 Mio m³ Volume

: 66.000 m² Basal Surface

: 148.000 t Total Weight

: 360 m Length

: 107 m Height

: 140 t Paint used

: 82 t Screws

: 111.000 m² Roof Cover

: Tropical Climate by Technical Means

: Everyone's idea of perfect weather! A steady 25°C air temperature,
: 30°C water temperature and 35°C beach temperature. No rain, and
: plenty of sunlight every day! A pleasant 30% to 50% humidity for
: our tropical plants originating from all parts of the tropical
: world.

: As a result, a first class climate and water control system is
: being installed at Tropical Islands. The warm water supply below
: the beach, next to the tropical sea, warms up the air. A computer
: controlled system guarantees different temperature zones.

: The impressive system of indirect lighting of the former
: CargoLifter dome was originally designed for industrial needs.
: Together with the new UV penetrable membrane on the south side, it
: simulates tropical sunlight perfectly, everyday between 6am to 6pm.
: The light and warmth let the plants grow well and also allow the
: visitors to gain a healthy suntan.

: The 7.000 cubic meter water of the tropical sea (28°C) and the
: lagoon (31°C) are filtered with the most modern ozone filter
: systems, thus achieving drinking water quality in our pools. Both
: swimming pools are made from stainless steel, a guarantee for top
: hygienic conditions. Water depth is 1,35 meters in both pools.

Mark Reiff